Existential Sentences: Expressing Existence
存现句1：表示存在
Describe what exists or is positioned at a location using existential sentence patterns
Start with the location, then use 有 or a verb + 着 to indicate what exists or is positioned there, followed by the thing that exists. Pattern 1: 处所 + 有 + (数量短语) + 名词. Pattern 2: 处所 + 动词 + 着 + (数量短语) + 名词.
The key feature of existential sentences is that the location comes first (as the subject), and the thing that exists comes at the end. This is the opposite of English "A book is on the table" which puts the thing first.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Existential Sentences: Expressing Existence (存现句1：表示存在)
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Understanding 存现句1：表示存在
Existential sentences describe what is present at a location. Chinese uses two main patterns for this. Pattern 1 uses 有: 桌子上有一本书 (On the table there is a book). You learned this basic pattern at HSK 1. Pattern 2 is new and uses a verb + 着: 桌子上放着一本词典 (On the table is placed a dictionary). The verb + 着 pattern is more vivid — it tells you not just that something exists, but how it is positioned. 放着 (placed), 站着 (standing), 坐着 (sitting), 挂着 (hanging), 贴着 (posted) — each verb paints a picture. The subject of these sentences is always the location, and the object (what exists) always comes at the end. This "location first" structure is characteristic of Chinese and takes practice for English speakers to get used to.
Key Points
- Pattern 1 — 处所 + 有 + 名词: 教室里有很多学生 (There are many students in the classroom).
- Pattern 2 — 处所 + 动词 + 着 + 名词: 桌子上放着一本词典 (A dictionary is placed on the table).
- Location always comes first as the topic/subject of the sentence.
- The existing thing is introduced as new information at the end — often with a number + measure word.
- Common verbs in Pattern 2: 放 (place), 站 (stand), 坐 (sit), 挂 (hang), 贴 (stick/post), 写 (write), 停 (park).
- 着 (zhe) after the verb indicates a continuing state — the thing remains in that position.
- You can list multiple items: 桌子上放着书、笔和本子.
- These sentences are great for describing scenes, rooms, and environments.
The "location first" structure in existential sentences reflects a broader Chinese thinking pattern — setting the scene before introducing specific details. This mirrors traditional Chinese painting, which establishes the landscape before placing people and objects within it.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
桌子上放着一本词典。
A dictionary is placed on the table.
教室前边站着一位老师。
A teacher is standing in front of the classroom.
桌子上放着书、笔和本子。
Books, pens, and notebooks are placed on the table.
Multiple items
墙上挂着一幅画。
A painting is hanging on the wall.
门口停着两辆车。
Two cars are parked at the entrance.
椅子上坐着一个小女孩。
A little girl is sitting on the chair.
黑板上写着几个汉字。
Several Chinese characters are written on the blackboard.
门上贴着一个"福"字。
A "fu" (blessing) character is posted on the door.
Common Mistakes
In existential sentences, the location must come first. The thing that exists comes at the end as new information.
When describing the current state of what is at a location, use 着 (continuing state), not 了 (completed action). 了 implies someone just placed it there.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Always put the location first — this is the biggest adjustment for English speakers.
Choose the right verb to paint a picture: 放 (placed flat), 挂 (hanging), 站 (standing), 坐 (sitting), 停 (parked).
Use this pattern to describe your room: 桌子上放着……, 墙上挂着……, 书架上放着……
Remember: 有 is neutral (just exists), while verb + 着 is vivid (shows how it is positioned).
Homework
Describe your room or classroom in detail using at least eight existential sentences. Use both the 有 pattern and the verb + 着 pattern. Try to use at least four different verbs (放, 挂, 坐, 站, 贴, 停).